Mike Paluszak has some idea what it's like to be Santa Claus a few days before Christmas — without the pending frequent flier mileage.

"It's the busiest time of the year. We're getting ready to go," said Paluszak, grabbing the reigns for the sixth season as the Solano County Fair gears up for Wednesday's 65th version of 4F — family, fun, and fried food.

And tradition. Plenty of tradition.

"That's what we strive to do," Paluszak said. "Remember the past, live in the present, and create a vision for the future. That's what makes fairs unique institutions. There's nothing more traditional than a county fair. Blue ribbons, livestock, apple pie, corn dogs, carnival. Good times. That's what we represent and I think that's why fairs add to the quality of life in the United Stations, particularly in California and, we think, Solano County. Who doesn't like a county fair?"

Be it Aunt Suzy's quilt, Johnny's pig, a favorite carnival ride or band, "it brings back lots of good memories," Paluszak said.

With five years in Vallejo under his GM belt, Paluszak's got the format down, believing "99 percent goes as planned. And we have a great staff that handles the 1 percent with poise and professionalism and we get it done."

Though increasing last year's attendance is important, Paluszak said it's just as important to create a safe and family-friendly environment with exhibitors, vendors and entertainment that lures an audience "to walk in enthusiastic and walk out happy."

Sitting in the Big Chair isn't the easiest of jobs with so many personalities to massage, hinted Paluszak.

"We do so many different things," he said. "You have to be willing to change to stay relevant, but not lose sight of your roots. It's a delicate balance and you have to be fair to all the participants. There's a lot of circumstances that you have to deal with and roll with. You do what's best for the fair, what's best for the public. Sometimes, it's a juggling match. You're dealing with lots of different groups and a lot of different personalities with different passions. That's what the fair is — a jigsaw of passions"

"If you're livestock, that is where the passion is," continued Paluszak. "That's your window to the fair. If you're on the entertainment side, that's where your passion is. Everyone here is passionate about what they do. That's what makes the fair tick. All the passions come together."

All the employees and volunteers "are here for the same reason — to showcase what's great about Solano County," said Paluszak.

This year's theme — "Cruisin' the County" — will be evident with classic and unique vehicles scattered throughout the grounds, courtesy of Boyz Under the Hood car club and the extensive Buck Kamphausen collection.

Also, with the state parks celebrating a 150th anniversary, the partnership with state fairs will also be visible. Which means an appearance by Smoky the Bear, said Paluszak

All for $10 general admission and $6 for seniors 60 and older (who are admitted free opening day) and children 6 to 12. Military and dependents are admitted free.

The nightly headliner entertainment — including Con Funk Shun, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Los Lobos, The Guess Who, and Graciela Beltran — is included in admission fees.

"I think people understand we represent a good value, that we work hard in providing the best show possible," Paluszak said. "Virtually everyone can afford to attend the fair."

A key in making it family friendly is to keep it safe, Paluszak said.

"We want to be a place where people feel safe, feel secure, feel welcomed and we are," he said. "We're successful in making it a place where people can come and relax and be safe and secure."

During the Wednesday through Sunday run, don't expect to find Paluszak in his office.

"I'm sort of a moving target," he said chuckling. "I roam, I look, I watch and talk to people. That's how I get to enjoy the fair, being out in it. It's important we have lots of eyes looking at a lot of different things."

At least Paluszak won't sweat over the temperatures, expected to be in the low 80s.

"We're pretty blessed with mild weather here," he said. "I know there have been some years they've had scorching heat. But the weather should be pretty nice this week."